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The smallest babies really can’t wear thicker yarns, so this gown needs to be worked in either 3 ply, or 4 ply. It can be worked on 3mm or 3.25mm needles, whichever you prefer – the only difference it will make is to affect the size slightly.
Begin at the neck edge and cast on 30 stitches loosely [this is important, to allow a little give at the neck edge]
Knit one row.
Next row: k, placing markers for the increases to shape the bodice, as follows: k5, place marker, k5, place marker, k10, place marker, k5, place marker, k5.
Next row: Begin increases: k4, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k3, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k8, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k3, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k4
Next row: k2, p to last 2 sts, k2
Keeping the 2 stitches at each end of the row knit, continue in stocking stitch, increasing into the stitches either side of the marker, as set, until there are 86 stitches. The last increase row will be:
K10, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k15, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k20, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k15, [inc. in next stitch] twice, k 10.
Next row: k2, p82, k2
Next row: k12, [yfwd k2tog] 10 times, k23, [yfwd k2tog] 10 times, k11
Next row: k2, p82, k2
Next row: k12, cast off 19, k23, cast off 19, k to end [48 sts]
Continue with the skirt by working straight across these stitches
Next row: k2, p44, k2
Next row: Knit into front and back of every stitch [96 sts]
1st pattern row: k3, p90, k3
2nd pattern row: k3, *[k2tog] 3 times, [yfwd, k1] 6 times, [k2tog] 3 times, rep from * to last 3 sts, k3
3rd pattern row: Knit
4th pattern row: Knit
Repeat these 4 pattern rows [or a pattern of your choice until the skirt measures 7”/18cm
Work 3 rows knit. Cast off.
Add a tie to the neck edge, and at the base of the bodice to finish off
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